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Page last updated at 11:29 GMT, Tuesday, 11 May 2010 12:29 UK

Ross County can be cup final heroes, says Brewster

ACTIVE NATION SCOTTISH CUP FINAL: DUNDEE UNITED v ROSS COUNTY
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Saturday, 15 May Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: Live: BBC One Scotland from 1255 BST, BBC Radio Scotland commentary available online (UK only), live text on BBC Sport website. Highlights: BBC One Scotland 2255 BST.


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Brewster says Staggies must believe

Ross County must approach the Scottish Cup final with faith in their ability to upset Dundee United, according to assistant manager Craig Brewster.

"The players have got to believe that they are good enough," said Brewster, who starred for and managed United.

"They've already proved it and they have to do it again.

"Every one of these boys could be heroes if we do it and it could be extra special for one of them if they score the goal that wins it."

The First Division side from Dingwall stunned both Hibernian and Celtic to set up a surprise final at Hampden.

And Brewster is urging the players to take heart and confidence from those fantastic displays against Premier League opponents.

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"The story is a bit surreal, nobody would have believed it," the 43-year-old added.

"But it's great credit to the manager and the players.

"It's a special day coming on Saturday for everyone concerned; players, staff, fans - it's going to be amazing.

"The run has been incredible: we scored nine in one game, beat Hibs, then beat Celtic in Glasgow to find ourselves in the Scottish Cup final."

Brewster can draw on happy Scottish Cup final memories, having scored the winner for United in their 1994 success against Rangers.

His tap-in goal late in the game ended a run of six final defeats for the team he supported as a boy.

"United had been in six previous finals and never won, and I'd been up in the terracing supporting them," he explained to BBC Scotland.

"Suddenly you find yourself scoring the winning goal and you don't realise at the time how special it is. You think 'ach, this will happen again'. But for smaller clubs it doesn't happen too often.

Craig Brewster poses with the Scottish Cup in 1994
Brewster scored the cup-winning goal for United in 1994

"And, as the years go by, you realise how much was achieved that day.

"Rangers were going for back-to-back Trebles that day and they were clear favourites.

"But I knew, right from the word go, that all the players were up for it that day.

"As a player you can sense it, as a manager or coach you can sense it.

"We had that feeling against Celtic, the manager and I, and you saw what happened. We need that again on Saturday."

Having overcome Hibernian after a replay, County were impressive 2-0 winners against Celtic in the semi-final at Hampden.

County, who were playing Highland League football 16 years ago, were in with a chance of promotion from Division One but their league challenge fizzled out and they finished fifth, 17 points adrift of winners and local rivals Inverness.

The most northerly league club in Britain could only win two of their final seven league matches after the triumph over Celtic and Brewster is hoping a return to the national stadium can inspire his team.

"We put in two great performances against Hibs, who were clear favourites," he said. "And we did it again against Celtic, with a stunning show at Hampden.

"United have had a fantastic season, finishing third in the league and they pushed Celtic for a long time in the race for second.

"They are favourites, so we need another great performance."



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see also
Great Scottish Cup moments
10 Apr 10 |  Scottish Cups
Derek Adams' Cup final diary
14 May 10 |  Ross County
Ash ruins County's Cup final trip
05 May 10 |  Scotland
Cup finalists want more tickets
29 Apr 10 |  Scottish Cups
Adams praises written-off County
10 Apr 10 |  Ross County
County are a club on the rise
24 Mar 10 |  Ross County


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